Tobias goal hands UP its fourth straight dub and at least a playoff for semis seat

University of the Philippines bagged its fourth straight win after outlasting Adamson University, 1-0, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament, Thursday, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

This win assures UP of at least a playoff for a Final Four spot as they currently rank third in the league with 19 points and a plus-10 goal difference. Adamson, on the other hand, stays at seventh, with three points and a minus-26 goal difference.

Captain Macky Tobias scored the team’s lone goal at the 44th minute mark after a corner by CJ Donato went straight to Adamson, before Tobias ultimately took control of the ball to put UP ahead coming into the second half.

Unlike their first round encounter where rookie Josh Garces scored an early goal four minutes in, Adamson had visibly upped their defense, with UP having eight shot opportunities in the first half, but failing to convert until Tobias scored.

Although Adamson constantly pressed on UP’s defense and had a number of on-target shots, goalkeeper Chevey Celeste managed to save each ball that came his way.

Celeste, who started for UP for the first time this season, was able to get touches on Adamson’s attempts, most notably their free kick at 90+5 minutes, where he got a hand on the highball and directed it towards the crossbar.

Despite the win, Celeste acknowledges the need to organize and identify what the team needs to improve on. As the team moves inches closer to grabbing a final four spot, the also added that they will be taking it one game at a time, while overcoming their biggest opponent—themselves.

UP will try to secure a semifinal seat when it faces University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, November 24, at 6:30 PM at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. The team previously dropped their first round match against UST, 0-1, last September 19.

Adamson, on the other hand, is set to play against Ateneo de Manila University on November 28, at 2 PM at the same venue.

Photo from UAAP